WORCESTER — As the swarm of college students heads back to the second-largest city in New England, many might not know about the eateries, activities and sites off campus and tucked away on hard-to-find side streets.

From the Miss Worcester Diner (on Southbridge Street) to views from Worcester Regional Airport, the city has many amenities for college students looking to venture off campus.

"There are hundreds upon hundreds of unique and special places here in our city for the students, staff and faculty to discover. Too many to name and it would take a full page of the paper to list... and I would be in big trouble if I missed one," City Manager Michael V. O'Brien said. "Retail, boutiques, restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues are ready for the annual migration of students back to our city. We welcome them with open arms and we want them to enjoy all Worcester and Central Massachusetts has to offer."

People living and working in the city have their favorites. Tom Tymon, 57, of Worcester, advised college students to head to Highland Street and Shrewsbury Street for the bevy of restaurants there.

"Highland Street and Shrewsbury Street are the two greatest places," he said. "Flying Rhino, I like that place. I'm happy with the variety of foods available on Shrewsbury Street and the seafood on Highland Street."

In fact many of the people interviewed said those two streets are a must-visit for college students.

Networking is important for college students ready to enter the work world. For those looking to make contacts, Wyatt Hogan, a 22-year-old who works in Worcester, has a suggestion.

"One Eleven Chop House (Shrewsbury Street) is a good experience for people ready to enter the workforce," he said. "It offers a really good experience around here. It is just the place to be after work."

His co-worker, Christopher Scott, suggested heading over to The Boynton on Highland Street for a burger. The restaurant has a diverse menu and another attractive option for college students — those who are at least 21.

"They have a million beers on tap," said Mr. Scott, who works in Worcester. "You can't beat that."

Mr. Scott also suggested catching one of the many shows at the DCU Center.

People interviewed seemed to be thinking with their stomachs when asked for go-to places for college students.

Stanley Zenon, 31, a Worcester resident, said Yoway Frozen Yogurt on Park Avenue is perfect for the college student with a sweet tooth. Cake batter, vanilla and mango are all on the menu plus the business offers 10 percent off to any college student with college identification.

Mr. Zenon said the college students need to get out and enjoy the city. He said some of the views at Bell Pond are very nice.

"There are different environments for all of the students," he said. "Some people have no idea. There are a lot of attractions. You would have to know somebody to know these places."

Neema Hakim, a 21-year-old senior at the College of the Holy Cross, continually helps his friends find places in the city to go. He went to Wachusett Regional High School in Holden and knows the city well.

College students tend to stay in their territories, he said. He encourages friends to get out of their area and look around. For him, The Bean Counter Bakery is a must stop for coffee and sweet treats. Others might not know that some of the best sushi can be found at Baba on Park Avenue, he said. That spot is one of his preferred eateries.

"I think Holy Cross students are interested in going out and experiencing the city," he said. "One of the best things about Worcester is the restaurant industry here."

Holy Cross, which just published an article in its magazine about the sites and scenes in the city, has a few ways college students can learn about the attractions here.

"We like to get our students out into the community," Holy Cross spokeswoman Cristal Steuer said. "We do promote Worcester a lot."

The Woo Me Worcester event, which helps give Holy Cross students a taste of the city, has also been to other college campuses.

Here is my list of places to check out.

•The federal courthouse on Main Street

Some people might not even know it is there, but tucked across the street from the The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts is the federal courthouse. If you are a fan of beautiful buildings, go take a look. The building is full of warm woods, marble and has something very rare these days….two pay phones on the fifth floor.

•The DCU Center.

Looking for some sports action but not the high prices of Boston or Foxboro? The Worcester Sharks are the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks so there is a chance to watch some future NHL players. Also they play the Providence Bruins. Ticket and food prices pretty good, too. Opening night is Oct. 19.

•Newton Hill

Some people still aren't aware of the other section of Elm Park, across the street from Park Avenue. There are spectacular views of the city and disc golf on Newton Hill.

•The Broadway

The eatery at 100 Water St. makes ice cream on site. Workers there say people love the maple walnut but a recent addition of s'mores ice cream is gaining rave reviews fast. There is also cookie dough and pistachio.

•Ritual

The restaurant at 281 Main St. offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for $9.95 that includes a beverage. There are meatballs, salad, chicken parmesan, rice and other goodies. What college student doesn't want to eat all they can for basically $10.